Bright pink fluffy furniture isn’t just for girls

Johnny Egg has been crafting furniture since he was 16. His designs range from the understated to the downright wacky. But it’s his flocking technique that really catches our eye.

Chandelier

Flocking involves depositing small nylon fibre particles (flock) on to a surface, then giving them an electric charge to make them stand up. This leaves the particles with a velvety coating. It’s not a process that is widely used in furniture design but it can give everyday items a surreal and dramatic finish. Objects are transformed into striking works of art.

Flocked skull phone

Not many furniture designers offer flocking but Egg is a master of the process. Not only does he produce practical and functional furniture but, by incorporating flocking into his designs, he offers an alternative look to the mainstream.

‘You can flock just about anything,’ says Egg. ‘I once flocked a plant for Christmas and it’s still thriving. It’s not an easy process to do, and it’s very messy, but it’s a great way to finish off a piece and bring texture and colour to furniture. I strongly believe that when making furniture, everything should be just as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside, so this process works particularly well for drawers etc.’

Born in London, Egg began his career as an apprentice for a traditional cabinet maker. His big break came in 2003 when he exhibited at the 100% Design Show and was noticed by Heal’s, which now stocks some of his pieces. In 2006, his Black & Twisted unit was spotted by the Royal Institute of British Architects and nominated as one of the best products of the year.

‘The black and twisted unit was one of my first pieces,’ he says. ‘It’s a quirky cabinet that I created for my wife as she wanted some storage in an awkward corner of the bedroom but didn’t want it to be the “boring side” of the room.’

Bedroom cabinet

Egg describes his furniture design style as theatrical minimalism. Prices start from £28 for accessories and £299 for a coffee table. He uses natural woods, stainless steel and glass, and says he loves what can now be done with perspex. His signature colour for flocking is pink because, he says, ‘it’s so vivid and, mixed with strong masculine colours, it just works. It’s not just for girls.’

Egg says his inspiration comes from many sources. ‘I love women’s catwalk fashion shows for the colours and textures. I want my pieces to be distinctive, an expression of individuality. In this day of mass production, I want someone to have something I have made and given great thought to, something I care about and would have in my own home.’

He adds that some of his best ideas come from sitting in traffic. ‘I never get stressed when I’m stuck in traffic; I don’t get mad, I just think.’

His new SS13 accessories collection is based around his love of comics. ‘I started reading comics when I was about 12 and I still have them all in pristine condition,’ he says. ‘Spider-Man has always been my favourite – I guess I was drawn to him as a child as he wasn’t so dark and there was always a dry humour underlying the stories. I hope this bright and humorous contrast is reflected in my
new collection.’